Gareth Bale
Real Madrid may be forced to wait for Gareth Bale. Reuters

Manchester United have made an approach for Tottenham star Gareth Bale, but were rebuked by a response that it would cost £70 million to land the Welshman, according to Goal.com.

Bale’s performances, particularly in recent weeks, have seen him become one of the most sought after players in the world. United have been credited with an interest in the past and it is now claimed that chief executive David Gill made an inquiry for the 23-year-old but was stunned by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s assertion that it would take an almost record fee for them to sell to a Premier League rival.

As well as there being speculation that United have trailed Bale during his time at Tottenham, manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also in the running to sign the player when he was a youngster at Southampton but were outbid for the 17-year-old by Spurs.

Real Madrid have been strongly linked to Bale of late and they would appear a likelier destination should Bale move on. However, the forward looks set to stay at White Hart Lane for at least another season if Tottenham secure a Champions League place.

It may well be that Manchester United are after a big-name signing this summer. The club has been linked for several months with a bid to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.

Such a move always appeared unlikely because of the huge finances involved and now the Daily Mail reports that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has told the Portuguese forward to remain at the Bernabeu for another season.

Ronaldo’s contract expires in the summer of 2015 and his value would be decreased next summer, giving him greater flexibility. It seems hard to imagine Madrid being willing to allow such a huge asset to run down his contract, however.

United could also make a statement by signing Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski. It has already been revealed that the Poland striker will not be extending his deal with the German champions, which is set to expire in 2014.

A transfer looks increasingly likely this summer, with Bayern Munich as well as United said to be strongly interested. Recent speculation seems to suggest that Bayern are favorites to land the 24-year-old with negotiations reportedly already having taken place, however the Sun claims that Lewandowski favors a move to Old Trafford.

With United having four established strikers on their books already, a deal for Lewandowski will only happen if one makes way. Ever since he was left out of the team for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid, there has been much speculation that it is Wayne Rooney who will be on his way out.

Ferguson has insisted that the 27-year-old will be staying put this summer but that has not stopped the constant rumors. The Daily Star has claimed that Monaco will make a huge offer this summer, but it is fellow-French-side Paris Saint-Germain that continue to be credited with the greatest interest.

However, PSG sporting director Leonardo has said that the club has made no approach for Rooney.

"No, no, we did nothing and never did, and if we do the first one will be Manchester United, at the moment there is nothing,” Leonardo told Sky Sports News.

"Paris Saint-Germain became a team who can buy all the players, the opposite of the other clubs.

“It is nice some big players, not only Rooney, they want to come to come. It is something we are happy with, not talking about Rooney.

"I think he is one of the best players in the world."